Embassy Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 I'm in the planning process for the upcoming school year. I do a loopish kind of schedule, but count hours. The schedule below is based on a 192 day school year. I've allotted 20 full days for field trips, projects, and homeschool group days. Based on the amount of times below our school day should be between 5-5.5 hour long which is what we have been doing for a couple years now. I think reading may be a little less than typical, but my boys are both very strong readers and often read in their free time. Any advice or suggestions? 3rd grader Bible 30 minutes 5 x week History 60 minutes 2x week Geography 60 minutes 2x week Map reading – 30 minutes every 2 weeks PE – 30 minutes 4x week Math – 30 minutes 5x week Science – 60 minutes 2x week Reading – 30 minutes a day 3-4x week Literature (Read Alouds)– 30 minutes a day 3-4x week Spelling – 15 minutes 3x week Handwriting – 15 min 2x wk MCT LA - 30 minutes 3-4 x week Art Appreciation – 30-45 min 1x week Music – 15 min music lesson wk, 15 min music theory wk, 30 min music appreciation every 2 weeks Game time – 60 min wk Typing – 15 min 3x wk French – 30 min 2x wk Sinhala – 30 min 2x wk Mandarin – 30 min 2-3x wk Arabic – 30 min 2-3x wk Koine Greek – 15 min 2x wk Logic – 15 min 2x wk 1st Grader Bible 30 minutes 5 x week History 60 minutes 2x week Geography 60 minutes 2x week Map reading – 30 minutes every 2 weeks PE – 30 minutes 4x week Math – 30 minutes 5x week Science – 45 min 2x week Reading –30 minutes a day 3x week Literature (Read Alouds) – 20 minutes day 5x week Phonics – 20 minutes 5x week Handwriting – 15 min 3x wk LA – (Grammar, Writing, and extra reading) 30 minutes 3x week Art – 35 minutes 2x week Music – 15 min music lesson wk, 15 min music theory wk, 30 min music appreciation every 2 weeks Game time – 60 min wk French – 30 min 2x wk Sinhala – 30 min 2x wk Mandarin – 30 min 2-3x wk Arabic – 30 min 2-3x wk Koine Greek – 15 min 2x wk Logic – 15 min 2x wk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 I have a third grader. At first glance 5.5 hours seems like a lot! Then I realized that you are including reading time, P.E., games and read alouds. So that's probably pretty close to what we are doing, when we include interruptions and breaks. It would be too much for my kids at first grade, though. Unless some of that time is listening in to the readings but not expecting quite as much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted July 31, 2010 Author Share Posted July 31, 2010 I have a third grader. At first glance 5.5 hours seems like a lot! Then I realized that you are including reading time, P.E., games and read alouds. So that's probably pretty close to what we are doing, when we include interruptions and breaks. It would be too much for my kids at first grade, though. Unless some of that time is listening in to the readings but not expecting quite as much. Thanks for the input. I appreciate another perspective. Time wise it does seem like a lot, but we have lots of hands-on activities, computer activities, and videos in the mix. "Sit down and work" time is limited. I figure if a child in public school can be there from 8-3, my kids can spend 5.5 hours in school. We just use the time more effectively. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truebluexf Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 I was going to say that all seems like an extremely high amount of work and time for their ages too, but you aren't looking for that. I like my kids to have free time to learn and explore on their own. At these ages play is one of their best ways of learning, and I don't feel so much structure is conducive to that. I'm not really sure what you are asking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 The schedule below is based on a 192 day school year. I've allotted 20 full days for field trips, projects, and homeschool group days. Based on the amount of times below our school day should be between 5-5.5 hour long which is what we have been doing for a couple years now. Have you been doing the 5-5.5 hour/day for a couple of years now, within a 192 day school year all along, too? How are your kids doing with this schedule? I just ask because in general, it seems like a long day/year to me, with what you've outlined below. Non-homeschooled kids may spend 8-3 in a classroom, but that's for the sake of scheduling hundreds of kids in one building. We can choose to use our time as we wish, but I keep in mind the individual needs of my kids. Does my upcoming 4th grader need logic and typing? No, not yet. 3rd grader Bible 30 minutes 5 x week History 60 minutes 2x week Geography 60 minutes 2x week Map reading – 30 minutes every 2 weeks PE – 30 minutes 4x week Math – 30 minutes 5x week Science – 60 minutes 2x week Reading – 30 minutes a day 3-4x week Literature (Read Alouds)– 30 minutes a day 3-4x week Spelling – 15 minutes 3x week Handwriting – 15 min 2x wk MCT LA - 30 minutes 3-4 x week Art Appreciation – 30-45 min 1x week Music – 15 min music lesson wk, 15 min music theory wk, 30 min music appreciation every 2 weeks Game time – 60 min wk Typing – 15 min 3x wk French – 30 min 2x wk Sinhala – 30 min 2x wk Mandarin – 30 min 2-3x wk Arabic – 30 min 2-3x wk Koine Greek – 15 min 2x wk Logic – 15 min 2x wk 1st Grader Bible 30 minutes 5 x week History 60 minutes 2x week Geography 60 minutes 2x week Map reading – 30 minutes every 2 weeks PE – 30 minutes 4x week Math – 30 minutes 5x week Science – 45 min 2x week Reading –30 minutes a day 3x week Literature (Read Alouds) – 20 minutes day 5x week Phonics – 20 minutes 5x week Handwriting – 15 min 3x wk LA – (Grammar, Writing, and extra reading) 30 minutes 3x week Art – 35 minutes 2x week Music – 15 min music lesson wk, 15 min music theory wk, 30 min music appreciation every 2 weeks Game time – 60 min wk French – 30 min 2x wk Sinhala – 30 min 2x wk Mandarin – 30 min 2-3x wk Arabic – 30 min 2-3x wk Koine Greek – 15 min 2x wk Logic – 15 min 2x wk Suggestions: - combine geography, map reading, and history into two or so 1-1.5-hour slots per week. Make them simpler in order to put them together. - don't do science and history/geo/map on the same day - alternate - put off typing until grade 5 or so, esp. since they are still working on handwriting. - put off logic until grade 5 or later. Or if it's mostly puzzly worksheet type things, let it be optional in free time. - foreign languages: how are they with doing 5 foreign languages? If they are having fun with it, great; if they start getting confused and overwhelmed, pare it down to one, and even then, make it "fun time" instead of "required time." I'm guessing by your other subjects that English is their first language, and this is the time to let them get a good grounding in English. Nothing wrong with foreign language - it's also a great time to learn one, but I'd closely watch how they take to all this. hth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted July 31, 2010 Author Share Posted July 31, 2010 I was going to say that all seems like an extremely high amount of work and time for their ages too, but you aren't looking for that. I like my kids to have free time to learn and explore on their own. At these ages play is one of their best ways of learning, and I don't feel so much structure is conducive to that. I'm not really sure what you are asking? I agree with you about play. My kids learn so much through play. 5 hours of school for them still gives them at least 6-7 hours for play. I guess I was wondering if there was too much of one subject or not enough of another subject? While I have it all written out as x per week that is just to help me plan. I count hours so I can go at their pace rather than what a schedule says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted July 31, 2010 Author Share Posted July 31, 2010 (edited) Have you been doing the 5-5.5 hour/day for a couple of years now, within a 192 day school year all along, too? How are your kids doing with this schedule? The 5-5.5 hours a day is normal for us. Some days it is more. Some days it is less. I count hours so we are flexible that way. The 192 day schedule is what the public school does here. Having a shorter time for school would drastically cut down on all the fun things like hands-on activities, computer games, DVDs, as well as the time spent enjoying books. - combine geography, map reading, and history into two or so 1-1.5-hour slots per week. Make them simpler in order to put them together. - don't do science and history/geo/map on the same day - alternate Thanks for the input. I use the x per week to help me plan. We may spend 4 hours on history one day and then not do it again until the next week. Map reading will need to be separate because it involves my kids sitting in the back seat telling me which way to go based on the map in their lap. - put off typing until grade 5 or so, esp. since they are still working on handwriting. I considered this. My kids love the computer and spend lots of time on it. My 3rd grader has done some typing since first grade because his handwriting was way behind. I felt it gave him a way to write without the frustration of poor fine motor skills. - put off logic until grade 5 or later. Or if it's mostly puzzly worksheet type things, let it be optional in free time. Good point. It is mostly fun stuff. It is mainly for my younger son who needs some help with some memory skills. I added it for my older son because I thought he would enjoy it too. - foreign languages: how are they with doing 5 foreign languages? If they are having fun with it, great; if they start getting confused and overwhelmed, pare it down to one, and even then, make it "fun time" instead of "required time." I'm guessing by your other subjects that English is their first language, and this is the time to let them get a good grounding in English. Nothing wrong with foreign language - it's also a great time to learn one, but I'd closely watch how they take to all this. It is slower going with 5 than if I were only doing 1. I added one this coming year because they will need to know it where we plan to live. Yes, English is their first language. I've actually found that learning other languages has helped their English skills. I do keep an eye on things though. I appreciate your advice! Edited July 31, 2010 by Wehomeschool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosy Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 I'm in the planning process for the upcoming school year. I do a loopish kind of schedule, but count hours. The schedule below is based on a 192 day school year. I've allotted 20 full days for field trips, projects, and homeschool group days. Based on the amount of times below our school day should be between 5-5.5 hour long which is what we have been doing for a couple years now. I think reading may be a little less than typical, but my boys are both very strong readers and often read in their free time. Any advice or suggestions? 3rd grader Bible 30 minutes 5 x week History 60 minutes 2x week Geography 60 minutes 2x week Map reading – 30 minutes every 2 weeks PE – 30 minutes 4x week Math – 30 minutes 5x week Science – 60 minutes 2x week Reading – 30 minutes a day 3-4x week Literature (Read Alouds)– 30 minutes a day 3-4x week Spelling – 15 minutes 3x week Handwriting – 15 min 2x wk MCT LA - 30 minutes 3-4 x week Art Appreciation – 30-45 min 1x week Music – 15 min music lesson wk, 15 min music theory wk, 30 min music appreciation every 2 weeks Game time – 60 min wk Typing – 15 min 3x wk French – 30 min 2x wk Sinhala – 30 min 2x wk Mandarin – 30 min 2-3x wk Arabic – 30 min 2-3x wk Koine Greek – 15 min 2x wk Logic – 15 min 2x wk 1st Grader Bible 30 minutes 5 x week History 60 minutes 2x week Geography 60 minutes 2x week Map reading – 30 minutes every 2 weeks PE – 30 minutes 4x week Math – 30 minutes 5x week Science – 45 min 2x week Reading –30 minutes a day 3x week Literature (Read Alouds) – 20 minutes day 5x week Phonics – 20 minutes 5x week Handwriting – 15 min 3x wk LA – (Grammar, Writing, and extra reading) 30 minutes 3x week Art – 35 minutes 2x week Music – 15 min music lesson wk, 15 min music theory wk, 30 min music appreciation every 2 weeks Game time – 60 min wk French – 30 min 2x wk Sinhala – 30 min 2x wk Mandarin – 30 min 2-3x wk Arabic – 30 min 2-3x wk Koine Greek – 15 min 2x wk Logic – 15 min 2x wk This seems like WAY too much to me, especially for the 1st grader. If they are used to this amount/level of work, that's terrific. I think most kids that age could be sufficiently schooled in 2-3 hours a day, maybe less for the 1st grader. I'm not sure you're asking for this, but if you want to know what I would do differently....the biggest thing that jumps out at me is that you are doing 5 different foreign languages and spending 5 hrs. a week on this. That seems like it could get confusing really quickly. I would pick one (or even one modern and one ancient) and focus on those. If you wanted to do two languages, I would spend 15 min. a day and alternate between them, maybe even one week on one and one week on the other. I would not do logic with a kid under 5th grade. Ok, that's a lie--I'm doing logic with my 4th grader this year, but she is advanced and all we're doing is logic puzzles for now. I don't think a 1st grader can grasp that level of reasoning...and even if they can, I don't think it's necessary until 5th grade. If you're doing reading, lit, phonics and handwriting, I don't think you need to add LA. I would do a gentle grammar program like FLL, for 1st grade that can be done in less than 10 min., 3x a week. In 3rd grade it's more like 15-20 tops, 2-3x/week. I think history can incorporate geography and wouldn't include a separate geography program. If your boys are thriving on this schedule, please ignore what I've said. But to me it looks like a recipe for burnout. But I am not a rigorous homeschooler by this board's standards, either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted July 31, 2010 Author Share Posted July 31, 2010 (edited) This seems like WAY too much to me, especially for the 1st grader. If they are used to this amount/level of work, that's terrific. I think most kids that age could be sufficiently schooled in 2-3 hours a day, maybe less for the 1st grader. I agree, but we shy away from "work" so it tends to take longer. I'm not sure you're asking for this, but if you want to know what I would do differently....the biggest thing that jumps out at me is that you are doing 5 different foreign languages and spending 5 hrs. a week on this. That seems like it could get confusing really quickly. I would pick one (or even one modern and one ancient) and focus on those. If you wanted to do two languages, I would spend 15 min. a day and alternate between them, maybe even one week on one and one week on the other. I appreciate the advice. The 5 languages may seem confusing, but they are not. We are going slow and steady with many years ahead to sink deep into the languages. I would not do logic with a kid under 5th grade. Ok, that's a lie--I'm doing logic with my 4th grader this year, but she is advanced and all we're doing is logic puzzles for now. I don't think a 1st grader can grasp that level of reasoning...and even if they can, I don't think it's necessary until 5th grade. Logic may not have been the right word. It is more like computer brain games and some fun puzzle books like mazes, dot to dots, word puzzles, logic puzzles etc. If you're doing reading, lit, phonics and handwriting, I don't think you need to add LA. I would do a gentle grammar program like FLL, for 1st grade that can be done in less than 10 min., 3x a week. In 3rd grade it's more like 15-20 tops, 2-3x/week. LOL, I think my kids would revolt if I used something like FLL ;) I plan to introduce grammar to my first grader using Mad Libs which is right up his alley. I also plan to have him use some of his language arts time writing on his blog which he loves to do. They are whole to part learners that need depth. I think history can incorporate geography and wouldn't include a separate geography program. Yes it can, but learning about world cultures is one of the most important aspects of our philosophy. Geography is one of the best loved subjects around here too. We have had fun making flags, playing games from different countries, watching videos, reading stories, listening to music, and eating food from different countries around the world. If your boys are thriving on this schedule, please ignore what I've said. But to me it looks like a recipe for burnout. But I am not a rigorous homeschooler by this board's standards, either. I can see how some may think that. I am rigorous in terms of time, but we utilize many informal ways to learn. I think my boys wouldn't like it if I cut down their school day to just the necessary things. I would cut out all the things they like best. I appreciate your perspective. Edited July 31, 2010 by Wehomeschool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 If this is what you and your kids enjoy it looks great. It sounds like you do fun things to learn so it's not the little tykes and a textbook alone in the kitchen. I try to remember everyone is different. Go for what works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosy Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 I can see how some may think that. I am rigorous in terms of time, but we utilize many informal ways to learn. I think my boys wouldn't like it if I cut down their school day to just the necessary things. I would cut out all the things they like best. I appreciate your perspective. It sounds like it's working well for you. Now that I understand a little better what you're doing, I think that would be a great way to homeschool. My kids would probably love being taught by you! We don't have nearly as much fun in my house. :P I appreciate how graciously you're accepting everyone's advice. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted July 31, 2010 Author Share Posted July 31, 2010 It sounds like it's working well for you. Now that I understand a little better what you're doing, I think that would be a great way to homeschool. My kids would probably love being taught by you! We don't have nearly as much fun in my house. :P I appreciate how graciously you're accepting everyone's advice. :) Thanks Rosy. Maybe I should have explained a little better in the OP. I know many people go the textbook route, but it bores me silly. I do use some textbooks, but living books are more the norm. I know I could just have my kids read about ziggurats in 10 minutes, but it is so much more fun to take a hour to build one out of watermelon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 I think I'm getting a better idea now of what a week in your life looks like - it's not how I imagined it from your OP lists. :D It sounds like you incorporate all your fun stuff into a "school day," and that you all really enjoy it. That's great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosy Posted July 31, 2010 Share Posted July 31, 2010 Thanks Rosy. Maybe I should have explained a little better in the OP. I know many people go the textbook route, but it bores me silly. I do use some textbooks, but living books are more the norm. I know I could just have my kids read about ziggurats in 10 minutes, but it is so much more fun to take a hour to build one out of watermelon. That's great. We don't do many textbooks, but we don't do much hands-on either. You must spend a ton of time doing prep for all that hands-on, parent-involved activity! What a blessing to your kids. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted August 1, 2010 Author Share Posted August 1, 2010 That's great. We don't do many textbooks, but we don't do much hands-on either. You must spend a ton of time doing prep for all that hands-on, parent-involved activity! What a blessing to your kids. :) Thanks Rosy. I usually spend several months planning before the school year starts so there really isn't too much to do during the school year. But then again it looks like we will be moving in the middle of the school year again so (yikes) there will be much to do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathkath Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 I can only comment on first grade, and only pertaining to my experience teaching it---but I would cut handwriting down in the amount of time per day, but up it to daily. 5 minutes of GOOD practice daily is all you need--with you over his shoulder making him redo as necessary. I would also add more reading time and decrease the rest til he is fluent and loving it, then slowly add on the other things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted August 1, 2010 Author Share Posted August 1, 2010 I can only comment on first grade, and only pertaining to my experience teaching it---but I would cut handwriting down in the amount of time per day, but up it to daily. 5 minutes of GOOD practice daily is all you need--with you over his shoulder making him redo as necessary. I would also add more reading time and decrease the rest til he is fluent and loving it, then slowly add on the other things. Good idea about the handwriting. As for reading time, what would you consider fluent? He is on the verge between learning to read and reading to learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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